7 Weeks to Kickoff: Why The Chimes is Baton Rouge’s Go-To Before and After LSU Football

Photo By: The Chimes

We’re just seven weeks away from LSU’s first home game of the season,September 6 against Louisiana Tech, and while the players gear up for battle under the lights of Tiger Stadium, fans are already planning where to celebrate before and after the game. For many in Baton Rouge, the answer is simple: The Chimes.

A Building With History

Long before The Chimes became a game-day tradition, the building itself had a story. Dating back to the 1930s, it was once a neighborhood pharmacy, first Sitman’s Drugs, then Maxwell’s, before transforming in 1983 into a Louisiana-style bar and grill. Over the years, The Chimes has expanded to multiple locations, but the Highland Road spot near LSU’s North Gates remains the flagship and the heartbeat of its legacy.

Built the Hard Way

The Chimes earned its reputation by doing things right, hand-prepping ingredients, cooking from scratch, and leaning into Louisiana flavors without shortcuts. Whether it’s the sizzling chargrilled oysters, hearty crawfish étouffée, or their famous spinach and artichoke dip served with crispy bow-tie chips, the food keeps people coming back.

What to Order

If you’re new to The Chimes, the menu is a greatest hits of Southern comfort and Louisiana flavor. Start with their boudin balls or the legendary spinach and artichoke dip. For mains, the seafood gumbo and crawfish étouffée are local classics, while the shrimp po’boys deliver that perfect balance of crispy and juicy. Don’t skip their chargrilled oysters, served smoky and buttery, they’re a signature dish for a reason. And if you’re just here for a drink, The Chimes has one of the best beer selections in Baton Rouge, with taps pouring local brews and international favorites.

Why It’s More Than a Meal

On football weekends, The Chimes is as much a part of the LSU experience as the Golden Band or tailgating on the Parade Ground. The lively atmosphere, the clinking of glasses from one of the city’s best beer selections, and the mix of students, alumni, and locals create a sense of community that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s the place where stories are told, victories are celebrated, and, win or lose, everyone leaves satisfied.

Worth the Visit Any Time

Even outside of football season, The Chimes draws crowds for weekday lunches, casual dinners, and late-night bites. It’s the kind of spot where you can show up in a game-day jersey or business casual and feel right at home.

As the countdown to September 6 continues, one thing is certain: when the Tigers play at home, The Chimes is where Baton Rouge comes together.

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